Pharma giant opens new hi-tech centre

A LEADING pharmaceutical company has officially opened a new global medical device engineering centre at its campus at the College Business and Technology Park in Blanchardstown.

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals says it’s consolidating global device research and development (R&D) activities to the new centre, creating 45 highly skilled jobs in the process.

The opening of the new R&D facility brings Mallinckrodt’s total investment at its Cruiserath Road location to €95 million, and the creation of 120 new jobs in a variety of areas including manufacturing, supply chain management and other support functions.

Local TD and Minister for Social Protection, Leo Varadkar, unveiled a sculpture to mark the official opening at a ceremony also attended by Mallinckrodt President and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Trudeau and Deputy Mayor of Fingal County Council, Cllr Eithne Loftus.

“I am very pleased to mark the opening of Mallinckrodt’s Global Device Engineering facility,” said Minister Varadkar.

“It’s great to see a medical device R&D facility like this investing in west Dublin.

“Mallinckrodt is creating jobs, and enhancing Ireland’s reputation as an important centre for R&D, which is a key plank in the Government’s economic development strategy.

“Ultimately, the devices developed here in this facility will make a real difference to the lives of patients both in Ireland and internationally.”

President and Chief Executive Officer of Mallinckrodt, Mark Trudeau, said the company has had a significant manufacturing and business presence in Ireland for almost a quarter of a century.

“In that time, our employees here have been, and continue to be, a tremendous asset to our global operations,” he added.

“This new Global Device Engineering facility allows us to centralize our device R&D skills and expertise in developing the next generation of products for a number of important and rare conditions to make a significant difference to the lives of patients.”

Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eithne Loftus, welcomed the partnership between Mallinckrodt and Fingal County Council that helped bring the facilities to the College Business and Technology Park in less than two years.

“Fingal is seeing considerable investment in R&D and technology from a variety of Irish and international companies,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mallinckrodt has announced a new corporate partnership with the Coolmine Therapeutic Community, which will see initial financial support of €15,000 to the rehab centre.

“The Coolmine Therapeutic Community provides critical supports and services for families and individuals encountering very serious challenges in their lives,” said Dr David Keenan, Vice President, Global External Supply and Managing Director with Mallinckrodt.

“We are pleased to support them in their essential work.”